Sepia, Sydney CBD - Take #2

Two years on from my last dining experience and Sepia is finally closing down, following long-standing rumours - the finale to the era in which they reigned supreme in the Sydney fine dining arena with three-hatted ratings across 10 (!) consecutive years.

Outside of Restaurant

Situated in the newly renovated Darling Park building, their exterior and interior decor haven't changed since although, maybe due to different seating location, it was much brighter at the table this time round - all the more for better photos, aided by their handy table lamp. The other diners probably thought that we were a little bonkers playing around with the lamp in order to attain optimum lighting. 😂

Doltone House Hyde Park, Sydney CBD

Even though Doltone House is conveniently located next to Hyde Park in the middle of the Sydney CBD, it was no easy feat (for me at least) to get there. Gaining entry into Doltone House was somewhat like finding Wonderland:

• First I was stymied yet again by GoogleMaps, which for some unknown reason had directed me the other side of the block on Castlereagh Street,
• Whilst walking around the block to the correct side (on Elizabeth Street), I walked past the bride & groom escaping for pre-wedding photos in Hyde Park,
• Eventually faced an inconspicuous black door that was locked from the outside, only to be let in by one of the photographers who was coincidentally just coming out of the building,
• Met the father of the bride in the lift on the way up to the ballrooms where the wedding ceremony and reception would be held,
• Only to be gobsmacked impressed by the opulent, dark decor of the venue with a massive crystal chandelier hanging off the ceiling and down the grand stairwell

Main Ballroom

ChinChin, Surry Hills

Getting to ChinChin requires a bit of a trek from Central Station and given that it is hidden from the main roads of Surry Hills, it took us a while to find the right place. The entrance is rather dim and decorated with a fluoro pink bunny (why oh why), which gave it a bit of a nightclub vibe.

Outside of Restaurant

Inside of Restaurant

Burnt Orange, Mosman

Our trip to Burnt Orange, Mosman, took a freaking 2 hrs due to traffic as well as a long, scenic detour to Manly. This time, we were stymied by the in-built Mazda GPS - let's just say it was a major shock to us all in the car when the GPS stated that we had arrived at our destination but we were facing Manly Wharf.

Anyway, we finally (finally!!) made it to the cafe:

Main Entrance of Cafe

Interior of Cafe

Inside, they have an extensive open porch area, that was enclosed so the restaurant can retain some warmth against the chilly winter air (and potential haze in the skies from recent back-burning).

The Langham, Millers Point

I came to The Langham for a wedding ceremony, followed by reception in their prestigious halls. The hotel has been refurbished in recent years - all black and white interior filled with bright lights in every corner, comfortable lounge chairs and fresh floral centrepieces.

Entrance of The Langham

In addition, they have a sweets/lolly pop bar for guests (or perhaps all for show since I didn't see anyone touching the display) near their concierge desk:

Sweets Bar